Product Launch Engineer, Plastics & Fluid Dispensing

The Product Launch Engineer, Plastics is responsible for guiding product design from concept to high-volume manufacturing, overseeing all intermediate stages.
Throughout the program lifecycle, the focus of this role will adapt to meet evolving priorities. The Product Launch Engineer will define program requirements, prepare for launch, and lead build events, while ensuring compliance with Automotive industry standards (APQP, PPAP). During the Early Program Development phase, strategic planning will take precedence, incorporating lessons learned from past product launches and implementing a lightweight change control process. As the program progresses to the Pre-Launch Planning phase, the Product Launch Engineer will transition to full change control, manufacturing readiness, and establishment of the Manufacturing Bill of Materials (MBOM). During Launch, this role will serve as the commodity lead, managing the entire scope from kickoff to execution, and directing cross-functional teams comprising engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Launch New Plastics Products: Introduce new products into the factory, ensuring program scope, product definition, supply chain readiness, and implementation
• Early Program Development: Integrate lessons learned from previous product launches, establish a launch checklist to assess program and factory readiness, and review/revise equipment standards before RFQ. Additionally, develop agile rework procedures and challenge requirements to ensure a solid program foundation
• Pre-Launch Planning: Establish MBOM part numbers and structure with design and process engineers. Track product and process deviations, implement full change control, and organize pre-launch activities (incoming part inspection, slow builds, part trials, design iterations). Assess manufacturing readiness (Product Validation, TQP, Material Planning, Production Control, Process, Factory Software, Controls, Quality)
• Launch Execution: Oversee and manage various launch activities, including gate reviews, clear-to-builds, change control, part trials, prove run-at-rate during burst builds, equipment validation, design quality reviews (including harmony and AAR, Appearance Approval Reviews), commissioning automation, diagnosing, and debugging EOL issues
• Mass Production Scaling: Ramp up mass production to meet aggressive schedules, ensuring high reliability, repeatability, and robustness
• Production Change Approval: Review and approve design engineering changes and their compatibility with manufacturing systems
• Part Trials and KPI Management: Manage part trials, ensure compliance to PPAP metrics, and track success in areas like safety, quality, and production targets

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Plastics Engineering, Materials engineering or other related field
• 2K plastics or 2 Shot molding experience preferred
• Strong understanding of Scientific Injection molding process
• Understanding of Injection Mold building is required
• Ability to communicate cross-functionally throughout the organization
• Experience developing and implementing one of more dispense processes and equipment in high-volume production (expansion potting, sealants, form-in-place gaskets, structural adhesives, other - both low and high viscosity as well as single and multiple components)
• Experience in plastic injection molding part design and product development for high volume consumer products a plus. Experience and understanding of plant operations and manufacturing strategy in part design versus cost analysis

Compensation and Benefits
Benefits

Along with competitive pay, as a full-time Tesla employee, you are eligible for the following benefits at day 1 of hire:

• Aetna PPO and HSA plans > 2 medical plan options with $0 payroll deduction
• Family-building, fertility, adoption and surrogacy benefits
• Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans, both have options with a $0 paycheck contribution
• Company Paid (Health Savings Account) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High Deductible Aetna medical plan with HSA
• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• LGBTQ+ care concierge services
• 401(k) with employer match, Employee Stock Purchase Plans, and other financial benefits
• Company paid Basic Life, AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary positions), and Paid Holidays
• Back-up childcare and parenting support resources
• Voluntary benefits to include: critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft & legal services, and pet insurance
• Weight Loss and Tobacco Cessation Programs
• Tesla Babies program
• Commuter benefits
• Employee discounts and perks program